Vaughan’s Santafest Parade: Your questions, answered
With the Santafest Parade quickly approaching, the City of Vaughan is answering all your questions so you can be prepared when Santa Claus comes to town.
Here are all your questions, answered:
What is the date and time of the event?
The City’s Santafest Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 30, starting at 2 p.m. and running until approximately 4 p.m.
What is the parade route?
The parade begins at the intersection of Springside Road and Melville Avenue, then travels north on Melville Avenue and then east along Major Mackenzie Drive and ends at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).
Where can I watch the parade?
You can watch the parade anywhere on:
- Melville Avenue, from Springside Road to Major Mackenzie Drive
- Major Mackenzie Drive, from Melville Avenue to Keele Street
What roads will be closed?
Residences and businesses along the parade route will be impacted. The following roads will be temporarily closed from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30:
- Major Mackenzie Drive will be closed to all traffic between Melville Avenue and Hill Street.
- Local traffic will be permitted from Jane Street to the Fortinos plaza (2911 Major Mackenzie Dr.).
- Local traffic will be permitted from Hill Street to Peter Rupert Avenue.
- McNaughton Road will be closed to all traffic between Major Mackenzie Drive and Cranston Park Avenue.
- Local traffic will be permitted from Cranston Park Avenue to Keele Street.
- Avro Road will be closed to all traffic at Major Mackenzie Drive and Melville Avenue.
- Local traffic will be permitted between Hudson Drive and Hawker Road.
- Melville Avenue will be closed to all traffic between Kelso Crescent and Parktree Drive.
- Local traffic will be permitted from Roseheath Drive to Kelso Crescent, and between Parktree Drive and Rutherford Road.
The following restrictions will be in place on Springside Road from 6 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30:
- Parktree Drive to Melville Avenue will be closed.
- Jane Street to Parktree Drive will be closed, except for residents in the 181 Parktree Dr. townhome complex.
Signage will be in place at each road closure to guide traffic through the detour route. Roads will reopen once deemed safe by emergency services.
Will on-street parking be impacted?
To keep roads clear for shuttle buses transporting parade participants, parking will be temporarily prohibited on Marlott Road, Sherbourne Drive, Swanage Drive and Oakdale Road from Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10 p.m. to Sunday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m.
How will residents with driveways impacted by the road closures be able to park their vehicles?
To ensure residents with driveways impacted by the road closures can access their vehicles, they may park on nearby City streets that remain open and will be exempt from the three-hour parking restriction on Sunday, Nov. 30. A parking permit is not required. All other parking violations, such as blocked fire hydrants, blocking resident driveways or parking within nine metres of an intersection, will still be enforced.
Where can I park my vehicle to watch the parade?
Free park-and-walk options will be available near the route at the following parking lots:
- Blessed Trinity Catholic Elementary School (230 Hawker Rd.)
- Joseph A. Gibson Public School (50 Naylon St.)
- Maple Community Centre (10190 Keele St.)
- Michael Cranny Elementary School (155 Melville Ave.)
- St. David Catholic Elementary School (240 Killian Rd.)
- St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (1 St. Joan of Arc Ave.)
Will there be shuttle buses to get to the event?
There is no shuttle bus service for parade spectators. Please plan accordingly.
How should I dress for the parade?
The Santafest Parade will take place rain, snow or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Here are some tips to stay warm and comfortable:
- Wear layers to help regulate your temperature.
- Don’t forget a hat, gloves, scarf and leg warmers.
- Consider bringing hand and foot warmer packs.
- Wear Santa hats, Christmas sweaters and other festive accessories, of course!
Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol is not permitted.
Can I bring chairs?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring chairs! We kindly ask that you respect the space of others to ensure everyone has a good view of the parade. Ensure chairs are placed on the sidewalk and not on the roadway.
What else should I bring?
To make the most of your Santafest Parade experience, consider bringing:
- a portable charger to keep your devices powered.
- a camera or smartphone to capture moments.
- blankets for extra warmth if you're sitting.
- small folding chairs.
- hand and foot warmers.
- festive accessories, like Santa hats or Christmas sweaters.
- a bag or backpack to carry your items and giveaways distributed during the parade. Please keep it reasonably sized, as there will be crowds and limited space.
- money or credit cards to support local businesses along the route.
Will there be merchandise or giveaways?
Yes, some marching groups will hand out giveaways during the parade.
Will there be food or drinks available?
There are many stores and businesses along the parade that will remain open for you to purchase food and beverage items and support local businesses.
Will there be a lost and found?
Lost and found items may be dropped off or claimed at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).
WiIl the event be accessible?
Yes. While road closures will limit vehicle access to viewing areas, pedestrian pathways along the parade route will remain open and accessible.
For questions or more information about the City’s Santafest Parade, please contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca, or visit vaughan.ca/santafest. You can also email santafest@vaughan.ca with any questions.
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